Medical device adapter with wrist mechanism

ABSTRACT

A surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device includes: a proximal joint housing that is couplable to the surgical device; a middle joint housing pivotally coupled to the distal end of the proximal joint housing; and a distal joint housing pivotally coupled to the distal end of the middle joint housing. The middle joint housing is pivotable about a first pivot axis defined between the proximal joint housing and the middle joint housing. The distal joint housing is couplable to the end effector and pivotable about a second pivot axis defined between the middle joint housing and the distal joint housing, the second pivot axis being transverse to the first pivot axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/049,651, filed on Feb. 22, 2016, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/075,180, filed on Nov. 8, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,295,522, the entire disclosure of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to surgical apparatuses, devices and/or systems for performing endoscopic surgical procedures and methods of use thereof. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to electromechanical adapters, devices and/or systems configured for use with handheld or robotic surgical apparatuses and removable disposable loading units and/or single use loading units for clamping, cutting and/or stapling tissue.

BACKGROUND

Currently there are various drive systems for operating and/or manipulating electromechanical surgical devices. In many instances the electromechanical surgical devices include a reusable actuation assembly (e.g., motorized or manual tool handle or robotic), and disposable or single-use loading units. The loading units are selectively connected to the actuation assembly prior to use and then disconnected from the actuation assembly following use in order to be disposed of or in some instances sterilized for re-use.

Many of the existing end effectors for use with the existing surgical devices and/or actuation assemblies are driven by a linear force, such as end effectors for performing endo-gastrointestinal anastomosis procedures, end-to-end anastomosis procedures, and transverse anastomosis procedures. As such, these end effectors are not compatible with surgical devices and/or actuation assemblies that use rotary motion to deliver power or the like.

In order to make the linear driven end effectors compatible with surgical devices and/or actuation assemblies that use a rotary motion to deliver power, a need exists for adapters and/or adapter assemblies to interface between and interconnect the linear driven end effectors with the rotary driven surgical devices and/or handle assemblies.

SUMMARY

Further details and aspects of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail below with reference to the appended Figures.

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a proximal joint housing including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal joint housing couplable at the proximal end thereof to the surgical device; a middle joint housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the middle joint housing pivotally coupled at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the proximal joint housing, the middle joint housing pivotable about a first pivot axis defined between the proximal joint housing and the middle joint housing; and a distal joint housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal join housing pivotally coupled at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the middle joint housing, the distal joint housing coupleable at the distal end thereof to the end effector and pivotable about a second pivot axis defined between the middle joint housing and the distal joint housing, the second pivot axis being transverse to the first pivot axis.

According to one aspect of the above embodiment, the surgical device is a handheld surgical device or a robotic surgical device.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the adapter further includes: a first articulation link coupled to the middle joint housing, the first articulation link longitudinally movable in a proximal direction to pivot the middle joint housing in a first direction about the first pivot axis and in a distal direction to pivot the middle joint housing in a second direction about the first pivot axis.

The adapter may further include: a second articulation link coupled to the distal joint housing, the second articulation link longitudinally movable in a proximal direction to pivot the distal joint housing in a first direction about the second pivot axis and in a distal direction to pivot the distal joint housing in a second direction about the second pivot axis.

According to one aspect of the above embodiment, the second articulation link is bendable in response to pivoting of the middle joint housing.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the adapter further includes: a drive mechanism couplable to the surgical device and the end effector, the drive mechanism configured to actuate the end effector in response to input from the surgical device.

The drive mechanism may also include: a proximal transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal joint housing, the proximal transmission shaft including a connector sleeve disposed at a proximal end thereof couplable to the surgical device and a first gear disposed at a distal end thereof; a middle transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the middle joint housing, the middle transmission shaft including a second gear disposed at a proximal end thereof and meshingly engaged with the first gear and a third gear disposed at a distal end thereof; and a distal transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the distal joint housing, the distal transmission shaft including a fourth gear disposed at a proximal end thereof and meshingly engaged with the third gear and a keyed distal end configured to engage the end effector. The first, second, third, and fourth gears have a substantially ellipsoid shape.

According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical device adapter for coupling an end effector to a surgical device is disclosed. The surgical device adapter includes: a proximal joint housing including a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal joint housing couplable at the proximal end thereof to the surgical device; a middle joint housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the middle joint housing pivotally coupled at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the proximal joint housing, the middle joint housing pivotable about a first pivot axis defined between the proximal joint housing and the middle joint housing; and a distal joint housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal join housing pivotally coupled at the proximal end thereof to the distal end of the middle joint housing, the distal joint housing coupleable at the distal end thereof to the end effector and pivotable about a second pivot axis defined between the middle joint housing and the distal joint housing, the second pivot axis being transverse to the first pivot axis; and a drive mechanism including a plurality of gears and couplable to the surgical device and the end effector, the drive mechanism configured to actuate the end effector in response to input from the surgical device, wherein the plurality of gears are disposed between the proximal, middle, and distal joint housings.

According to one aspect of the above embodiment, the surgical device is a handheld surgical device or a robotic surgical device.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the adapter further includes: a first articulation link coupled to the middle joint housing, the first articulation link longitudinally movable in a proximal direction to pivot the middle joint housing in a first direction about the first pivot axis and in a distal direction to pivot the middle joint housing in a second direction about the first pivot axis.

The adapter may further include: a second articulation link coupled to the distal joint housing, the second articulation link longitudinally movable in a proximal direction to pivot the distal joint housing in a first direction about the second pivot axis and in a distal direction to pivot the distal joint housing in a second direction about the second pivot axis.

According to one aspect of the above embodiment, the second articulation link is bendable in response to pivoting of the middle joint housing.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the drive mechanism includes: a proximal transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the proximal joint housing, the proximal transmission shaft including a connector sleeve disposed at a proximal end thereof couplable to the surgical device and a first gear disposed at a distal end thereof.

The drive mechanism may also include: a middle transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the middle joint housing, the middle transmission shaft including a second gear disposed at a proximal end thereof and meshingly engaged with the first gear and a third gear disposed at a distal end thereof.

According to one aspect of the above embodiment, the drive mechanism includes: a distal transmission shaft rotatably disposed within the distal joint housing, the distal transmission shaft including a fourth gear disposed at a proximal end thereof and meshingly engaged with the third gear and a keyed distal end configured to engage the end effector.

According to another aspect of the above embodiment, the first, second, third, and fourth gears have a substantially ellipsoid shape.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1A is a schematic illustration of an electromechanical surgical system including a robotic actuation assembly, an end effector and an adapter assembly according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of an electromechanical surgical system including a handheld actuation assembly according to the present disclosure and the end effector and the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly with the end effector of FIG. 1A in an unarticulated configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the adapter assembly with the end effector of FIG. 1A in an articulated configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a perspective, enlarged view of a proximal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the distal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A with a proximal articulation mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the proximal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A with the proximal articulation mechanism in a first configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the proximal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A with the proximal articulation mechanism in a second configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is a further perspective, partially-disassembled view of the proximal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A with the proximal articulation mechanism in the second configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of the proximal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A with the proximal articulation mechanism in the second configuration according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a perspective, partially-disassembled view of a distal end of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A illustrated together with a distal articulation mechanism according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a drive assembly of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a middle shaft of the drive assembly of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of middle and input shafts of the drive assembly of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A in the unarticulated configuration according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of middle and input shafts of the drive assembly of the adapter assembly of FIG. 1A in the articulated configuration according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the presently disclosed electromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device are described in detail with reference to the drawings, in which like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding elements in each of the several views. As used herein the term “distal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are farther from the user, while the term “proximal” refers to that portion of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are closer to the user. The terms “left” and “right” refer to that portion of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device, or component thereof, that are on the left and right sides, respectively, from the perspective of the user facing the distal end of the electromechanical surgical system, apparatus and/or device from the proximal end while the surgical system, apparatus and/or device is oriented in non-rotational (e.g., home) configuration.

With reference to FIG. 1A, an embodiment of the electrosurgical powered surgical system 10 is shown. Electromechanical surgical system 10 includes a surgical apparatus or device in the form of a robotic surgical apparatus 20 that is configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors 300, via a first adapter assembly 200 (e.g., elongated body).

The robotic surgical apparatus 20 includes a robot arm 22 coupled to a base 24. Robot arm 22 may include a plurality of limbs or levers 37-40 interconnected to one another by a plurality of elbows or axes 31-34, and a flange 42 supported on a distal-most axis 34, to which the end effector 300 is attached through the first adapter assembly 200.

In the case of the present exemplary embodiment, each of the axes 31-34 is moved by an electric drive 51-54, respectively, each of which is electrically connected to a controller 57 of robotic surgical apparatus 20, so that controller 57, or a computer readable set of instructions running on controller 57, is able to actuate electric drives 51-56 in such a way that the position and orientation of flange 42 of robotic surgical apparatus 20 can be set essentially freely in space. Each of the electric drives 51-54 of robotic surgical apparatus 20 includes an electric motor and any power-generating or control electronics that actuate the motors.

Robotic surgical apparatus 20 may also be configured to work with robotic surgical systems. Such systems employ various robotic elements (e.g., robotic surgical apparatus 20) to assist the surgeon in the operating theater and allow remote operation or partial remote operation of surgical instrumentation (e.g., end effector 300). Various robotic arms, gears, cams, pulleys, electric and mechanical motors, etc. of the robotic surgical apparatus 20 may be employed for this purpose and may be designed to assist the surgeon during the course of an operation or treatment. Robotic surgical apparatus 20 may include, remotely steerable systems, automatically flexible surgical systems, remotely flexible surgical systems, remotely articulating surgical systems, wireless surgical systems, modular or selectively configurable remotely operated surgical systems, and combinations thereof.

The robotic surgical apparatus 20 may be employed with one or more consoles that are next to the operating theater or located in a remote location. In embodiments, one team of surgeons or nurses may prep the patient for surgery and configure the robotic surgical apparatus 20 with one or more of the end effectors 300 disclosed herein while another surgeon or group of surgeons remotely control the end effector 300 via the robotic surgical apparatus 20. As can be appreciated, a highly skilled surgeon may perform multiple operations in multiple locations without leaving his/her remote console, which can be both economically advantageous and a benefit to the patient or a series of patients.

The robotic surgical apparatus 20 of the surgical system may be coupled to one or more master handles (not shown) coupled locally or remotely to the controller 57. The handles may be moved by the surgeon to produce a corresponding movement of the working ends of any type of surgical instrument (e.g., end effectors 300, graspers, knifes, scissors, etc.) which may complement the use of one or more of the embodiments described herein. The movement of the master handles may be scaled so that the working ends have a corresponding movement that is different, smaller or larger, than the movement performed by the operating hands of the surgeon. The scale factor or gearing ratio may be adjustable so that the surgeon can control the resolution of the working ends of the surgical instrument(s).

The master handles may include various sensors to provide feedback (e.g., haptic) to the surgeon relating to various tissue parameters or conditions, e.g., resistance due to manipulation, cutting or otherwise treating tissue, pressure by the instrument onto the tissue, tissue temperature, tissue impedance, and combinations thereof. As can be appreciated, such sensors provide the surgeon with enhanced tactile feedback simulating actual operating conditions. The master handles may also include a variety of different actuators for delicate tissue manipulation or treatment further enhancing the surgeon's ability to mimic actual operating conditions.

Referring to FIG. 1B, another embodiment of the electromechanical powered surgical system 10′ is shown. Electromechanical surgical system 10′ includes a surgical apparatus or device in the form of an electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instrument 100 that is configured for selective attachment thereto of a plurality of different end effectors 300, via the first adapter assembly 200 (e.g., elongated body). A secondary adapter assembly 200′ may also be utilized to mate the first adapter assembly 200, which is used to couple to the robotic surgical apparatus 20, to the powered surgical instrument 100. The end effector 300 and the adapter assemblies 200 and 200′ are configured for actuation and manipulation by the surgical instrument 100. In particular, the surgical instrument 100, the adapter assemblies 200 and 200′, and the end effector 300 are separable from each other such that the surgical instrument 100 is configured for selective connection with first adapter assembly 200 via the secondary adapter assembly 200′, and, in turn, first adapter assembly 200 is configured for selective connection with any one of a plurality of different end effectors 300. In embodiments, the surgical instrument 100 may be operated directly with the first adapter assembly 200.

Reference may be made to International Application No. PCT/US2008/077249, filed Sep. 22, 2008 (Inter. Pub. No. WO 2009/039506), and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0121049, published May 26, 2011, the entire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference, for a detailed description of the construction and operation of exemplary electromechanical, hand-held, powered surgical instruments 100.

With reference to FIG. 1B, surgical instrument 100 includes a handle housing 102 including one or more controllers, a power source, and a drive mechanism having one or more motors, gear selector boxes, gearing mechanisms, and the like. The housing 102 also supports a control assembly 103. Control assembly 103 may include one or more finger-actuated control buttons, rocker devices, joystick or other directional controls, whose input is transferred to the drive mechanism to actuate the first adapter assembly 200 and the end effector 300.

The housing 102 defines a nose or connecting portion 108 configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210′ of secondary adapter assembly 200′ (FIG. 5). Connecting portion 108 houses one or more rotatable drive connectors that interface with corresponding rotatable connector sleeves (not shown) of the first adapter assembly 200′. The secondary adapter assembly 200′ is configured to accept a corresponding drive coupling assembly 210 of first adapter assembly 200. The adapter assembly 200′ and the robotic surgical apparatus 20 include one or more rotatable and/or longitudinally movable drive connectors that interface with corresponding rotatable connector sleeve 218 (FIGS. 2 and 4) and longitudinally movable first and second articulation links 220 and 222 (FIGS. 2 and 4) of the first adapter assembly 200, as described in further detail below.

With reference to FIG. 2, the first adapter assembly 200 is shown in an unarticulated configuration. The first adapter assembly 200 includes a distal joint housing 202 configured to couple to the end effector 300. The distal joint housing 202 is pivotally coupled to a middle joint housing 204, which in turn, is pivotally coupled to a proximal joint housing 206. With reference to FIG. 3, the middle joint housing 204 is independently pivotable relative to proximal joint housing 206 by a proximal articulation assembly 212. The distal joint housing 202 is pivotable relative to the middle joint housing 204 by a distal articulation assembly 208.

When first adapter assembly 200 is mated to secondary adapter assembly 200′ (FIG. 1B), or to the robotic surgical apparatus 20, the drive connectors (not shown) of second adapter assembly 200′, or of the robotic surgical apparatus 20, couple with the rotatable connector sleeves 218 (FIGS. 2 and 4) and articulation links 220 and 222 of first adapter assembly 200 (FIGS. 2 and 4). In this regard, the interface between drive connectors (not shown) and connector sleeve 218 and articulation links 220 and 222 are keyed such that rotation and/or movement of each of drive connectors of secondary adapter assembly 200′, or the robotic surgical apparatus 20, causes a corresponding rotation and/or movement of the corresponding connector sleeve 218 and articulation links 220 and 222 of first adapter assembly 200. This allows for longitudinal and/or rotational forces to be independently transmitted via each of the three respective connector interfaces.

The drive mechanisms of the surgical instrument 100 and the robotic surgical apparatus 20 are configured to drive shafts and/or gear components in order to selectively move tool assembly 304 of end effector 300 relative to proximal body portion 302 of end effector 300, to rotate end effector 300 relative to first adapter assembly 200 about a longitudinal axis “X-X” (FIG. 3) defined by the first adapter assembly 200, actuate various components of the tool assembly 304, e.g., to move anvil assembly 306 relative to cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300, and/or to fire a stapling and cutting cartridge within cartridge assembly 308 of end effector 300 (FIG. 2).

The selective rotation and/or movement of drive connector(s) of surgical instrument 100 and/or robotic surgical apparatus 20 allows surgical instrument 100 and/or robotic surgical apparatus 20 to selectively actuate different functions of end effector 300. As discussed in greater detail below, selective and independent rotation of connector sleeve 218 of first adapter assembly 200 corresponds to the selective and independent opening and closing of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300, and driving of a stapling/cutting component of tool assembly 304 of end effector 300. In embodiments, rotation of the connector sleeve 218 may be used to rotate end effector 300 relative to first adapter assembly 200 about the longitudinal axis “X-X.”

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, selective and independent movement of articulation links 220 and 222 corresponds to the selective and independent actuation of the distal and proximal articulation assemblies 208 and 212, respectively. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the middle joint housing 204 is pivotable relative to the proximal joint housing 206 about a pivot axis “A-A” in directions “C1” or “C2.” The middle joint housing 204 may be pivoted from an unarticulated configuration in which the longitudinal axes “X-X” and “Y-Y” defined by the proximal and middle joint housings 206 and 204, respectively, are aligned (e.g. zero angle) as shown in FIG. 2 to an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axes “X-X” and “Y-Y” are in non-parallel alignment (e.g., non-zero angle) as shown in FIG. 3. The middle joint housing 204 may be articulated about the pivot axis “A-A” from about 5° to about 170°, in embodiments, about 60°.

The distal joint housing 202 is pivotable relative to the middle joint housing 204 about a pivot axis “B-B” in directions “D1” or “D2.” The distal joint housing 202 may be pivoted from an unarticulated configuration in which the longitudinal axes “Y-Y” and “Z-Z” defined by the middle and distal joint housings 204 and 202, respectively, are aligned (e.g. zero angle) as shown in FIG. 2 to an articulated configuration in which the longitudinal axes “Y-Y” and “Z-Z” are in non-parallel alignment (e.g., non-zero angle) as shown in FIG. 3. The distal joint housing 202 may be articulated about the pivot axis “B-B” from about 5° to about 170°, in embodiments about 90°. The pivot axes “A-A” and “B-B” are transverse relative to each other allowing for two-dimensional articulation of the end effector 300 relative to the proximal joint housing 206.

With reference to FIGS. 5-9, proximal articulation assembly 212 for pivoting middle joint housing 204 relative to proximal joint housing 206 is shown. The proximal articulation assembly 212 includes the second articulation link 222 longitudinally movable within the proximal joint housing 206. The proximal joint housing 206 is pivotally coupled to the middle joint housing 204 via a lever 224. The lever 224 is pivotally coupled at one end to a pivot pin 207 disposed at a distal end of the proximal joint housing 206 and at another end to a pivot pin 205 disposed at a proximal end of the middle joint housing 204.

The second articulation link 222 is also pivotally coupled to the pivot pin 205. The pivot pin 207 defines the pivot axis “A-A” and acts as a fulcrum for the lever 224, which pivots about the pivot pin 207 as the second articulation link 222 is moved along a longitudinal direction “E” (FIG. 5). In particular, as the second articulation link 222 is moved in the proximal direction, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the middle joint housing 204 is pivoted about the pivot pin 205 along with the lever 224 which is pivoted about the pivot pin 207 in a counterclockwise direction “C1” (FIG. 3). Distal movement of the second articulation link 222, as shown in FIG. 6, reverses pivoting of the middle joint housing 204 in a clockwise direction “C2.”

With reference to FIGS. 8 and 9, each of the middle joint housing 204 and the proximal joint housing 206 includes a geared surface 209 and 211, respectively. The lever 224 maintains the geared surfaces 209 and 211 meshingly engaged allowing for the middle joint housing 204 to maintain its angular position relative to the proximal joint housing 206. In embodiments, the middle and proximal joint housings 204 and 206 may be interconnected by two levers 224, pivot pints 205 and 207 and corresponding geared surfaces 209 and 211 on two opposing sides thereof.

With reference to FIG. 10, distal articulation assembly 208 for pivoting distal joint housing 202 relative to middle joint housing 204 is shown. The proximal articulation assembly 212 includes the first articulation link 220 longitudinally movable within the middle and proximal joint housings 204 and 206. The middle joint housing 204 is pivotally coupled to the distal joint housing 202 via levers 226 a, 226 b (FIGS. 5 and 10). The levers 226 a, 226 b are pivotally coupled at one end to pivot pins 217 a, 217 b, respectively, which are disposed at a distal end of the middle joint housing 204 and at another end to pivot pins 215 a, 215 b, respectively, which are disposed at a proximal end of the distal joint housing 202.

The first articulation link 220 is also pivotally coupled to the pivot pin 215 b. The pivot pins 217 a, 217 b define the pivot axis “B-B” (FIGS. 3 and 5) and act as a fulcrum for the levers 226 a, 226 b which pivot about the pivot pins 217 a, 217 b, respectively, as the first articulation link 220 is moved along a longitudinal direction “F” (FIG. 10). In particular, as the first articulation link 220 is moved in the proximal direction, as shown in FIG. 10, the distal joint housing 202 is pivoted about the pivot pins 215 a, 215 b along with the levers 226 a, 226 b, which are pivoted about the pivot pins 217 a, 217 b in a counterclockwise direction “D1.” Distal movement of the first articulation link 220 reverses pivoting of the distal joint housing 202 in a clockwise direction “D2.” The first articulation link 220 is also formed from a resilient, flexible material, such that longitudinal movement of first articulation link 220 is translated to the middle joint housing 204. The flexibility of the first articulation link 220 allows it to bend as the distal and middle joint housings 202 and 204 are articulated.

With reference to FIGS. 6-9, each of the proximal joint housing 202 and the middle joint housing 204 includes geared surfaces 219 a, 219 b and 221 a, 221 b, respectively. Levers 226 a, 226 b maintain the geared surfaces 219 a, 219 b and 221 a, 221 b meshingly engaged allowing for the proximal joint housing 202 to maintain its angular position relative to the middle joint housing 206.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 11-14, the drive mechanism 330 is shown. The drive mechanism 330 includes proximal, middle, and distal transmission shafts 332, 334, 336, which transmit rotation of the rotatable connector sleeve 218 to the end effector 300. The distal, middle, and proximal transmission shafts 332, 334, 336 are disposed within proximal, middle, and distal housings 206, 204, and 202, respectively, and are configured to rotate therein. The proximal transmission shaft 336 is coupled at its proximal end to the rotatable connector sleeve 218. The proximal transmission shaft 336 includes a distal gear 336 a at its distal end coupled to a proximal gear 334 b of the middle transmission shaft 334. The middle transmission shaft 334 at its distal end also includes a distal gear 334 a coupled to a proximal gear 332 b of the distal transmission shaft 332.

The gears 332 b, 334 a, 334 b, 336 a have a substantially three-dimensional ellipsoid shape (e.g., each of the teeth have a two-dimensional ellipse shape) allowing the gears 332 b and 334 a and gears 334 b and 336 a to meshingly engage each other while the transmission shafts 332, 334, 336 are pivoted relative to each other during articulation of the distal and middle joint housings 202 and 204. Each of the gears can be ball-shaped spur gears for transmitting rotary drive motion through a first, second, and third housing, such as proximal, middle, and distal joint housings 202, 204, 206. In particular, the gears 332 b, 334 a, 334 b, 336 a are disposed between the distal, middle, and proximal joint housings 202, 204, 206 allowing the gears 332 b, 334 a, 334 b, 336 a to couple the distal, middle, and proximal transmission shafts 332, 334, 336 regardless of the pivoting of the distal and middle joint housings 202 and 204, as shown in FIGS. 11, 13, and 1.

With reference to FIG. 5, the distal housing 202 also includes a flange 203 for selectively coupling the end effector 300 thereto. The distal transmission shaft 332 also includes a keyed distal end 332 a dimensioned and configured to engage a connector sleeve (not shown) of the end effector 300. During operation, as the connector sleeve 218 is rotated, each of the transmission shafts 332, 334, 336 are in turn rotated via the gears 332 b, 334 a, 334 b, 336 a, which in turn, rotates the keyed distal end 332 a, thereby actuating the end effector 300.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, the end effector 300 need not apply staples but rather may apply two part fasteners as is known in the art. Further, the length of the linear row of staples or fasteners may be modified to meet the requirements of a particular surgical procedure. Thus, the length of a single stroke of the actuation shaft and/or the length of the linear row of staples and/or fasteners within a disposable loading unit may be varied accordingly.

In any of the embodiments disclosed herein, the end effector can be configured to connect with adapters for hand held powered, manually powered, or robotic instruments. Furthermore the end effector can incorporate electrosurgical instruments, such as ultrasonically vibrating blades and/or clamps. The power transmission shafts and elliptical toothed gears can be used in other types of instruments, including ones for manually, robotic, motorized, hand-held or other systems. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto. 

1-19. (canceled)
 20. A surgical device having a longitudinal axis, comprising: a proximal joint housing defining first gears; a middle joint housing defining second gears at a first end portion and third gears at a second, opposite end portion, the first gears meshingly engaged with the second gears; a distal joint housing defining fourth gears, the fourth gears meshingly engaged with the third gears; a first axis between the proximal and middle joint housings and defined transverse to the longitudinal axis; and a second axis between the middle and distal joint housing and defined transverse to the longitudinal axis, the distal joint housing being movable so as to position the second axis away from the longitudinal axis, wherein the first and second gears and the third and fourth gears maintain rotatable engagement during movement of the distal joint housing, wherein the proximal joint housing, the middle joint housing, and distal joint housing are rotatably coupled to one another during movement of the distal joint housing.
 21. The surgical device according to claim 20, wherein the proximal and middle joint housings are connected by at least one first lever, and the middle and distal joint housings are connected by at least one second lever.
 22. The surgical device according to claim 20, further including a proximal transmission shaft disposed within the proximal joint housing.
 23. The surgical device according to claim 22, further including a middle transmission shaft disposed within the middle joint housing.
 24. The surgical device according to claim 23, further including a distal transmission shaft disposed within the distal joint housing.
 25. The surgical device according to claim 24, wherein the distal transmission shaft has a keyed distal end configured to engage an end effector of the surgical device.
 26. The surgical device according to claim 24, wherein the proximal transmission shaft includes a connector sleeve disposed at a proximal portion thereof, wherein the connector sleeve is couplable to the surgical device.
 27. The surgical device according to claim 24, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth gears define an elliptical shape along a respective longitudinal axis defined by the proximal, middle, and distal transmission shafts.
 28. The surgical device according to claim 27, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth gears maintain rotatable engagement during respective movement of the proximal, middle, and distal transmission shafts.
 29. A drive mechanism for a surgical device, comprising: a proximal transmission shaft selectively couplable to the surgical device, the proximal transmission shaft defining a first gear at a distal portion thereof; a middle transmission shaft having a second gear defined at a proximal portion thereof and a third gear defined at a distal portion thereof, the second gear meshingly engaged with the first gear; a distal transmission shaft selectively couplable to an end effector of the surgical device, the distal transmission shaft defining a fourth gear at a proximal portion thereof, the fourth gear meshingly engaged with the third gear, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth gears maintain rotatable engagement during respective movement of the proximal, middle, and distal transmission shafts.
 30. The drive mechanism according to claim 29, wherein a proximal portion of the proximal transmission shaft includes a connector sleeve that is couplable to the surgical device.
 31. The drive mechanism according to claim 29, wherein a distal portion of the distal transmission shaft defines a keyed distal end configured to engage an end effector of the surgical device.
 32. The drive mechanism according to claim 29, wherein the first, second, third, and fourth gears define an elliptical shape along a respective longitudinal axis defined by the proximal, middle, and distal transmission shafts.
 33. The drive mechanism according to claim 29, wherein the drive mechanism defines a longitudinal axis along a length thereof.
 34. The drive mechanism according to claim 33, wherein the drive mechanism defines a first axis between the proximal and middle transmission shafts and defined transverse to the longitudinal axis.
 35. The drive mechanism according to claim 34, wherein the drive mechanism defines a second axis between the middle and distal joint housing and defined transverse to the longitudinal axis.
 36. The drive mechanism according to claim 35, wherein the distal transmission shaft is movable so as to position the second axis away from the longitudinal axis.
 37. The drive mechanism according to claim 29, wherein the proximal transmission shaft is disposed within a proximal joint housing.
 38. The drive mechanism according to claim 37, wherein the middle transmission shaft is disposed within a middle joint housing.
 39. The drive mechanism according to claim 38, wherein the distal transmission shaft is disposed within a distal joint housing, wherein the proximal joint housing, the middle joint housing, and distal joint housing are rotatably coupled to one another during movement of the distal joint housing. 